Write to your MP
A campaign to protect and defend the rights and freedoms of Afghan women and children and all vulnerable people at risk in the aftermath of allied withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Writing to your MP is a good way to demonstrate public support for action in Afghanistan. It’s quick and easy and helps your MP to represent you in Parliament and to connect with other MPs who are working on the same issues, which in turn creates increased momentum for action.
MPs can write to government ministers responsible for the issue, ask questions in Parliament about the issues we raise, and vote on the issue in Parliament.
It’s your MP’s job to make your voice heard in Parliament, whether you voted for them or not. They represent you and all the people in your local area. Lots of people taking action locally can lead to national results.
You can identify and contact your local MP using: www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/
Feel free to use the template below:
Dear [Insert MP name here],
I am one of your constituents and I am writing to urge you not to give up on the freedom and safety of women and girls and other vulnerable people in Afghanistan. I am glad the government will take 20,000 Afghan refugees over 5 years. But without swift and decisive planning now, thousands more may perish.
Securing women’s rights was placed at the heart of the fight against the Taliban and the U.S.-led military intervention. Female lawyers, judges, lawyers, teachers, journalists and campaigners for women’s health and freedom from violence, all trusted in us to step into the light. Now they are in hiding, their lives at risk from the Taliban. We cannot abandon them to darkness.
As my elected representative, please ask our government to act with more urgency. It is not too late to arrange safe passage and establish safe havens.
I am asking you therefore to urge the government to work with allies to ensure safe passage out of Afghanistan – co-ordinating a fully international response with key local actors and working with local parties to create transport options for vulnerable groups as a matter of urgency. Please also urge them to expedite humanitarian aid and assistance, delivered though NGOs, and get international observers in to ensure vulnerable people are watched over. And finally, to work with allies to establish safe havens for vulnerable groups such as female civil society workers and ethnic and religious minorities like the Hazara.
The situation in Afghanistan is dangerous and difficult. That makes our involvement and support for the people there more important, not less.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name here].